Saving Mount Mitchell: Oct. 18, 4 p.m., Museum, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Come and speak with park staff on what the residents in the area did to protect this magnificent mountain. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Take a full-moon paddle trip with WNCA: Oct. 18, 6-midnight, Jean Webb Park, 30 Riverside Drive, Asheville, N.C.. An alluring and potentially ghoulish nighttime paddle down the French Broad River under the Full Hunter?s Moon or Travel Moon. Costumes are optional. Spaces are limited. WNCA members and paddlers bringing their own boats and gear $20; members needing to borrow gear $30; Non-members bringing their own boats and gear $35; Non-members needing to borrow gear $45. Contact Isabelle Rios 258-8737, ext. 201 Isabelle@WNCA.org

The Life and Death of Dr. Mitchell: Oct. 18, 11 a.m., Summit, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about Dr. Mitchell's life, education and death during his years as a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and a scientist with the USGS and why he is iconic to the mountain. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Wildlife of Mount Mitchell: Oct. 18, 3 p.m., Breeze Way, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about some of the species that inhabit this area. Some animals found here are not found within 1,000 miles. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Asheville Hiking Meet-up Group: Oct. 19, Sundays and Saturdays, until Dec. 31, Asheville Hiking Meet-up Group, Asheville. Social and hiking club made up of all ages and professions. Free. www.meetup.com/ashevillehiking

Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon and 5K: Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-midnight, Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee. Both races will start together in the parking lot. The races will finish on the stadium track at the Acquoni Expo Center. Half marathon is $40, $25 for the 5K through race day. Group entry fee for military organizations, businesses, and non-profit clubs and with five or more participants of $15 for the 5K provided all entries are mailed in the same envelope. Contact Greg Duff 400-5868 greg@gloryhoundevents.com http://cherokeeharvesthalf.com

Great American Backyard Campout: Oct. 19, 5 p.m.-9 a.m., Fletcher Community Park, Fletcher, N.C.. There will be games for kids, outdoor presentations for adults, a night hike, campfire story time along with S'mores and snacks at the campout. REI will provide limited number of free camping gear. Registration required, email Ching with the number of people in your family camping and REI rental gear needed by October 17. Free Contact Ching cfu@rei.com

Guided Hike: Balsam Nature Trail: Oct. 19, 3 p.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Join park staff for a hike to learn some of the flora, fauna and history that Mount Mitchell State Park as to offer. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

How to Make a Mountain: Oct. 19, 2 p.m., Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meets at 11 a.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday at the museum. Learn how Mount Mitchell was made. Lasts 30 minutes-one hour. Free. 675-4611 www.ncparks.gov

Monarch Tagging: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., Paddy?s Creek Area breezeway, Lake James State Park, 2785 N.C. 126, Nebo. Join Park Ranger Jamie Cameron on an expedition to capture and tag monarchs as they pass through Lake James State Park. Bring a butterfly net if you have one. 652-5047

The Bear Facts: Oct. 19, 1 p.m., Breeze Way, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about the black bear, common to the area as well as those found in other parts of the United States, including the Grizzly and the Polar Bear. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Tower Talk: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., Observation Tower, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meet park staff at the observation tower to ask questions and learn about the many peaks of the Black Mountains. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Video: The Longest Season; Winter on Mount Mitchell: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Talk to park staff about what it is like to live at Mount Mitchell State Park in the winter. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Watch a video on Gorges State Park: Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sundays and Saturdays, until Oct. 27, Gorges State Park, Highway 64 W, Brevard. On September 13th, The Gorges Auditorium was completed! Visit the GOLD Certified (LEED) Visitor Center and watch a short video on GORGES STATE PARK. Every weekend in October. 919-707-9300

Wildlife of Mount Mitchell: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about some of the species that inhabit this area; including birds, mammals, amphibians and fish. Some animals found here are not found within 1,000 miles. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Fall Color at Lake James: Oct. 20, 3 p.m., Catawba River Area park office, Lake James State Park, 2785 N.C. 126, Nebo. Meet Park Ranger Kevin Bischof to enjoy the park in its fall glory along the Lake Channel Overlook Trail. Along the way we will discover how all the leaves got their beautiful fall foliage, and what happened to the summer green we grew used to seeing for the last several months. 652-5047

Islands in the Sky: Oct. 20, 11 a.m., Museum, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about the unique plants and animals that call Mount Mitchell home and why we are truly an "island in the sky". Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Tower Talk: Oct. 20, 2 p.m., Observation Tower, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meet park staff at the observation tower to ask questions and learn about the many peaks of the Black Mountains. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

The Alliance For Saving Threatened Forest Symposium: Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Auditorium, North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. Research on hemlocks, firs, chestnuts, ash, and the pests that are associated with each will be the focus. An opportunity for everyone associated with these fields to come together to talk about what is currently working and what needs to be done. Free. Contact Mary Talley 919-515-3804 threatenedforests@ncsu.edu www.threatenedforests.com/index.php

Balsam Nature Trail: Oct. 17, 3 p.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Join park staff for a hike to learn some of the flora, fauna and history that Mount Mitchell State Park as to offer. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Fall Color at Lake James: Oct. 20, 3 p.m., Catawba River Area park office, Lake James State Park, 2785 N.C. 126, Nebo. Meet Park Ranger Kevin Bischof to enjoy the park in its fall glory along the Lake Channel Overlook Trail. Along the way we will discover how all the leaves got their beautiful fall foliage, and what happened to the summer green we grew used to seeing for the last several months. 652-5047

Bass Tournaments starting up at Lake Julian: Oct. 17, midnight-3 p.m., Lake Julian Park, Overlook Road Ext, Arden. Brian King will start hosting bass tournaments twice a month on Lake Julian. The event will continue the first and third Saturday of each month as long as anglers show up. Registration will begin on the day of the tournament. Entry fee is $50 per two-person team. There is a 100% payback. Contact Brian King 775-2635

"The Colors of Grandfather" Program: Oct. 17, midnight-1 p.m., Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy, Linville. One way that guests can enjoy fall foliage this season is Grandfather's guided walk series "The Colors of Grandfather" offered on October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20. Visit various locations around Grandfather Mountain to showcase a spectacular contrast of stunning autumn hues. Included with the cost of park admission. 800-468-7325 www.grandfather.com

Organizations

Beyond Bike Maintenance Basics: Brakes and Drive Train: Oct. 17, 6:30-8 p.m., REI, 31 Schenck Pkwy, Asheville. If you?ve already taken a Bike Maintenance Basics class this is your next step! Get prepared for the road or trail ahead by digging a little deeper into the components of your ride and learn what minor adjustments you can make. Registration required. www.rei.com/event/49301/session/80708

Great American Backyard Campout: Oct. 19, 5 p.m.-9 a.m., Fletcher Community Park, Fletcher, N.C.. There will be games for kids, outdoor presentations for adults, a night hike, campfire story time along with S'mores and snacks at the campout. REI will provide limited number of free camping gear. Registration required, email Ching with the number of people in your family camping and REI rental gear needed by October 17. Free Contact Ching cfu@rei.com

Hands-On Bike Maintenance: Disc Brake System: Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m., REI, 31 Schenck Pkwy, Asheville. Bring your bike and learn through a combination of hands-on work and demonstrations about your bike?s disc brake system. Tools are provided and closed-toe shoes are required. Bikes must be clean and in a good working order. Registration required. Replacement parts not included in the class fee. $20 REI members/$40 non-members www.rei.com/event/49302/session/80709

Zombie Preparedness: Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse: Oct. 24, 7-8:30 p.m., REI, 31 Schenck Pkwy, Asheville. You are invited to attend the Zombie Preparedness Class where you will learn valuable survival techniques that could save your life. These same techniques could be invaluable in the event of any natural disaster in an urban environment. Registration required. www.rei.com/event/45517/session/80710

Map and Compass Navigation Basics: Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., REI, 31 Schenck Pkwy, Asheville. You?ll learn the parts of a compass, how to read a topographic map and how to use them in tandem. You?ll learn how to pinpoint your location through triangulation and then navigate to new locations by following a bearing. Maps and compasses are provided, but bring your own if you prefer. Registration required. $30 REI members/$50 non-members www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/first-aid-checklist.html

Paddling

Take a full-moon paddle trip with WNCA: Oct. 18, 6-midnight, Jean Webb Park, 30 Riverside Drive, Asheville, N.C.. An alluring and potentially ghoulish nighttime paddle down the French Broad River under the Full Hunter?s Moon or Travel Moon. Costumes are optional. Spaces are limited. WNCA members and paddlers bringing their own boats and gear $20; members needing to borrow gear $30; Non-members bringing their own boats and gear $35; Non-members needing to borrow gear $45. Contact Isabelle Rios 258-8737, ext. 201 Isabelle@WNCA.org

Parks

Winter, Wildlife and What's Happening to the Trees?: Oct. 17, 10 a.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meet park staff to answer all of your questions about the wildlife, weather and what's happening to the trees at Mount Mitchell State Park. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

The Bear Facts: Oct. 17, 1 p.m., Breeze Way, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about the black bear, common to the area as well as those found in other parts of the United States, including the Grizzly and the Polar Bear. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Islands in the Sky: Oct. 17, 5-6 p.m., Museum, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about the unique plants and animals that call Mount Mitchell home and why we are truly an "island in the sky". Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Video: Winter on Mount Mitchell: Oct. 17, 10 a.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Talk to park staff about what it is like to live at Mount Mitchell State Park in the winter. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

The Life and Death of Dr. Mitchell: Oct. 18, 11 a.m., Summit, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about Dr. Mitchell's life, education and death during his years as a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and a scientist with the USGS and why he is iconic to the mountain. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Wildlife of Mount Mitchell: Oct. 18, 3 p.m., Breeze Way, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about some of the species that inhabit this area. Some animals found here are not found within 1,000 miles. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Campground Talk: Oct. 18, 5:30-6 p.m., Campground, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn some interesting information on bears and some helpful camping tricks to keep them out of your campsite! Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Saving Mount Mitchell: Oct. 18, 4 p.m., Museum, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Come and speak with park staff on what the residents in the area did to protect this magnificent mountain. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Watch a video on Gorges State Park: Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sundays and Saturdays, until Oct. 27, Gorges State Park, Highway 64 W, Brevard. On September 13th, The Gorges Auditorium was completed! Visit the GOLD Certified (LEED) Visitor Center and watch a short video on GORGES STATE PARK. Every weekend in October. 919-707-9300

Monarch Tagging: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., Paddy?s Creek Area breezeway, Lake James State Park, 2785 N.C. 126, Nebo. Join Park Ranger Jamie Cameron on an expedition to capture and tag monarchs as they pass through Lake James State Park. Bring a butterfly net if you have one. 652-5047

The Bear Facts: Oct. 19, 1 p.m., Breeze Way, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about the black bear, common to the area as well as those found in other parts of the United States, including the Grizzly and the Polar Bear. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Guided Hike: Balsam Nature Trail: Oct. 19, 3 p.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Join park staff for a hike to learn some of the flora, fauna and history that Mount Mitchell State Park as to offer. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

How to Make a Mountain: Oct. 19, 2 p.m., Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meets at 11 a.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday at the museum. Learn how Mount Mitchell was made. Lasts 30 minutes-one hour. Free. 675-4611 www.ncparks.gov

Tower Talk: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., Observation Tower, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meet park staff at the observation tower to ask questions and learn about the many peaks of the Black Mountains. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Wildlife of Mount Mitchell: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about some of the species that inhabit this area; including birds, mammals, amphibians and fish. Some animals found here are not found within 1,000 miles. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Video: The Longest Season; Winter on Mount Mitchell: Oct. 19, 10 a.m., Education Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Talk to park staff about what it is like to live at Mount Mitchell State Park in the winter. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Tower Talk: Oct. 20, 2 p.m., Observation Tower, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meet park staff at the observation tower to ask questions and learn about the many peaks of the Black Mountains. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Islands in the Sky: Oct. 20, 11 a.m., Museum, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about the unique plants and animals that call Mount Mitchell home and why we are truly an "island in the sky". Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

The Life and Death of Dr. Mitchell: Oct. 23, 3 p.m., Summit, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Learn about Dr. Mitchell's life, education and death during his years as a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and a scientist with the USGS and why he is iconic to the mountain. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Winter, Wildlife and What's Happening to the Trees?: Oct. 23, 5 p.m., Classroom, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meet park staff to answer all of your questions about the wildlife, weather and what's happening to the trees at Mount Mitchell State Park. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Tower Talk: Oct. 23, 10 a.m., Observation Tower, Mount Mitchell State Park, off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355, Yancey County, N.C.. Meet park staff at the observation tower to ask questions and learn about the many peaks of the Black Mountains. Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

How to Make a Mountain: Oct. 23, 11 a.m., Museum, Mount Mitchell State Park Restaurant, 2388 State Highway 128, Burnsville. Come and learn some interesting facts on how this mountain was made! Free 675-4611 mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Going Batty: Oct. 25, 6 p.m., Catawba River Area picnic shelter, Lake James State Park, 2785 N.C. 126, Nebo. Join us for a fun-filled program on bats. Compare yourself to a little brown bat, learn about echolocation, make bat crafts, and more! Please pre-register. 584-7728

Leaf Peepers? Boat Tour: Oct. 27, 2 p.m., Lake James State Park, 2785 N.C. 126, Nebo. Experience the colors of autumn in a way you?ll never forget. Ranger Earl Weaver will be your captain and guide for this unique program. There are just eight spaces aboard the park?s patrol boat, so pre-registration is required. 584-7728

Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon and 5K: Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-midnight, Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee. Both races will start together in the parking lot. The races will finish on the stadium track at the Acquoni Expo Center. Half marathon is $40, $25 for the 5K through race day. Group entry fee for military organizations, businesses, and non-profit clubs and with five or more participants of $15 for the 5K provided all entries are mailed in the same envelope. Contact Greg Duff 400-5868 greg@gloryhoundevents.com http://cherokeeharvesthalf.com

Run the Forest Run 5K and 1 mile fun run/walk: Oct. 26, Carolina Day School, 1345 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville. Parking and Start/Finish line for the race will be at Carolina Day School. Runners will follow a course through scenic Biltmore Forest. $30 for the 5K, fun run/walk is $10.00. Early registration through August 15 will receive a 10% discount, use discount code ACT3OFF. Contact Katy Farlow 258-1586, Ext. 2331 kf@aea1961.com

Cherokee Zombie Run: Nov. 2, noon-3 p.m., Unto These Hills, Drama Road, Cherokee. Each runner starts two-mile race with two flags. Finish with at least one flag and you have survived! Don't want to run? Here's your chance to dress up like a zombie and become a member of our zombie horde! $25 registration fee, $5 spectators. Contact Laura Blythe 497-2111 laura@cherokeeadventure.com www.hauntedcherokee.com/run.html

Conquer The Mountain Half Marathon and CareNet Feed the Need 5K: Nov. 2, Tassee Greenway, Franklin, N.C.. The mission of CareNet is to provide food and assistance to individuals in need. Register by Oct. 31. Entry fee for half marathon is $30/$45 on race day and 5K is $15/$25. Contact Dave Linn bringingit2life@yahoo.com www.maconcarenet.org

Run with the Lions 5K: Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m., Black Mountain Town Square, State Street, Black Mountain. Packet pick up and late registration at the Lake Tomahawk Pavilion in Black Mountain Friday evening from 4-6 pm. You may also register on Friday evening at packet pick-up and the morning of the race before 8:00 am. $25.00 712-9525 www.runwiththelions.org

$5 5k: Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m., monthly first Wednesday until March 5, Fletcher Park, Fletcher. All money will go to a local charity and each 5k will be themed. Register at 5:30pm (race day only) & races start at 6:30pm. Our social medias will keep people informed on the theme of the month. $5 aaron@footrxasheville.com

Resolution Run 5K: Dec. 1, 2 p.m., Ingles, 780 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville. The Asheville Track Club hosts this 5K in Biltmore Forest. Park at South Forest Ingles on Hendersonville Road. Finish line is behind the Town Hall. Free to Asheville Track Club members. New members can join the track club at race for $25 individual or $30 per family and run. www.ashevilletrackclub.org

Blue Ridge Parkway: Blue Ridge Parkway, 199 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville. The most-visited unit of the National Park Service, stretching 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee. Call for road and weather conditions or visit website. 298-0398 www.nps.gov/blri

Nantahala Hiking Club: Nantahala Hiking Club, Franklin. A hiking/trail maintenance club based in the Franklin-Highlands area. Call for a schedule of guided hikes or visit the website. Contact Kay Coriell 369-6820 www.nantahalahikingclub.org

Asheville Hiking Meet-up Group: Sundays and Saturdays, Asheville Hiking Meet-up Group, Asheville. Social and hiking club made up of all ages and professions. Free. www.meetup.com/ashevillehiking

Hunting/Fishing Clubs

Pigeon Valley Bassmasters of Canton: 7 p.m. monthly first Sunday, J&S Cafeteria, Enka, N.C.. Meetings will be the 2nd Monday of each month. This will be a permanent change to our meeting schedule. Contact PATTY MCFERREN-BLANTON 884-2846 MIDDLEFORK2846@GMAIL.COM

Park Clubs

N.C. High Peaks Trail Association: N.C. High Peaks Trail Association, P.O. Box 24, Burnsville. Burnsville-based nonprofit that works to advance awareness, education, understanding and appreciation of nature, wildlife and the nautral environment in the North and South Toe River basins, Ivy Creek and the North Carolina Portion of the Nolichucky River in the mountains of WNC. www.nchighpeaks.org